MOSCOW, September 14 (RIA Novosti) - A high-ranking Russian MP said Russia could join economic sanctions against Tehran if Iran fails to reach a compromise with the international community on its nuclear program.

Iran has been at the center of an international dispute this year over its nuclear ambitions. Some countries suspect the Islamic Republic of pursuing a covert weapons program, but Tehran has consistently denied the claims and says it needs nuclear energy for civilian needs.

"If Tehran does not agree to a compromise, Russia could join sanctions against Tehran," Leonid Slutsky, the first deputy chairman of the International Affairs Committee of Russia's lower house of parliament, said.

"Russia has always spoken in favor of nuclear nonproliferation, which also refers to Iran," he said.

But neither did Slutsky rule out the possibility that the issue of Tehran's nuclear program could be settled through negotiations, despite "the clouds building up over Iran."

"While there remains a chance to reach a compromise, it should be used," he said.

Slutsky said the international community should give up the idea of using military measures against Iran.